Alexander Theatre

The Alexander Theatre opened in 1967 and gained international recognition when a model and photographs of it were displayed at the opening of the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington in 1972.

The versatility of the venue has attracted many prestigious professional companies, including Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company and The Bell Shakespeare Company, and it is commonly used for all types of performances including classical theatre, musicals, pantomime, dance, drama, comedy and multimedia.

The forestage lift can be lowered to create a full sized orchestra pit or raised to create a large apron to the stage which is also served by a full fly tower containing over 30 lines and ample wing space on either side of stage. The readily installed and adjustable false proscenium can reduce or expand stage width between 9.14 and 16.5 meters, making it a remarkably versatile performance space. Full sound and lighting systems are available as well as both upright and concert grand pianos.

The air conditioned auditorium holds 508 seats all of which hold an excellent view to the stage. The stalls are well raked and no row is longer than 32 seats, providing excellent sight lines even from the very ends of the row.

A licensed bar and snack bar service the foyer which is looked over by the bust of Samuel Alexander, the Australian born philosopher for whom the theatre is named.

The auditorium is accessible via ramps entering directly to the seating area at the fifth row. Removable seats allow for up to four wheelchairs in any performance. While it is something we are working to rectify, at this point in time no Monash University Academy of Performing Arts venue is equipped with assisted hearing systems such as hearing loops.